We are starting a sampling across several planned long-term sampling points along the longitudinal length of the Sipsey River, located just west of Tuscaloosa. This river is a biodiversity hotspot with 38 species of freshwater mussels still occurring in the stream. We are sampling for suspended matter (seston) and water chemistry (NH4, NO3/NO2, and PO4) from the headwaters located near Natural Bridge, AL down to the Hwy 14 crossing. Mark Dedmon was a huge help on this first sampling run. We plan on sampling once a month for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned!

Also, good news! The University of Alabama plans on to continue funding the USGS stream gauge on the Sipsey at Elrod, AL. This is right in the heart of our study area. Furthermore, this gauge has been in operation for 71 years, providing a long-term data set for work associated with my lab and other researchers. Roll Tide!!!